Mamata Banerjee Urges Calm As Violent Waqf Protests Roil Murshidabad; Over 100 Arrested, Cops Injured

Last Updated:April 12, 2025, 19:01 IST

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday urged people to maintain peace and refrain from any “unrighteous behaviour in the name of religion.”

Amid widespread violent protests across the state over the Waqf (Amendment) Act, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday urged people to maintain peace and refrain from any “unrighteous behaviour in the name of religion.”

It comes after protests against the Waqf Act turned violent across parts of Bengal, especially Murshidabad, on Friday, with agitators torching vehicles, clashing with security forces, disrupting road and rail traffic, and leaving at least 15 policemen injured. Three people have been killed and over 138 arrested in connection with the violence during the protests in Murshidabad district, prompting the Calcutta High Court to order deployment of central forces to restore order.

“Every human life is precious, do not incite riots for the sake of politics. Those who are inciting riots are harming the society,” said Banerjee in an X post.

Banerjee added that the law causing public agitation was enacted by the central government, not her administration and that any answers regarding it should be directed to the Centre.

“Also, remember, we will take legal action against those who incite riots. We do not condone any violent activity,” Banerjee remarked, as reports of vandalism tied to the Waqf protests surfaced across the state this week.

‘Waqf Act Won’t Be Implemented In Bengal’

Banerjee reaffirmed her position on the amended Waqf Act, which was passed by both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha following two days of intense debate.

The chief minister said that the state government has already made its stance clear by opposing the law and assuring that it will not be implemented in West Bengal.

“So what is the riot about?” she questioned.

“Some political parties are trying to misuse religion for political gain. Do not give in to their persuasion. I think religion means humanity, goodwill, civilization and harmony. I appeal to everyone to maintain peace and harmony,” she added.

At least 15 police personnel were injured during clashes with protesters following Friday prayers amid demonstrations against the Waqf law. Officials reported that 118 individuals have been arrested for involvement in violence and vandalism.

Bengal Police On Violent Protests

West Bengal DGP Rajeev Kumar vowed stern action against those responsible for acts of “hooliganism” and urged protestors to refrain from taking the law into their own hands.

Addressing the law and order situation in Murshidabad, he said, “An atmosphere of unrest has been seen in Jangipur since yesterday and communal disturbance has also been observed. Any kind of hooliganism will not be tolerated. We are dealing with the situation very strongly. It is our responsibility to protect human life.”

In Murshidabad’s Jangipur, violent incidents were reported on Friday as people staged a massive protest against the Waqf Amendment Act. Several vehicles were torched.

The top cop attributed Friday’s violent protests to the spread of rumours, which resulted in the vandalism and arson of several government vehicles, buildings—including police outposts and railway offices—as well as shops.

“No one should spread rumours, do not pay attention to rumours. Police will take strict action, do not take the law into your own hands. Section 163 is applicable in violence-affected areas. Strict action will be taken if government property is set on fire. We request for cooperation from the public, we will not tolerate any kind of violence…”

BJP Makes Big Charge

West Bengal BJP President and Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar on Saturday accused Banerjee of supporting the violent protests being held across the state.

“It’s all happening because Mamata Banerjee is supporting it as she wants to polarise Muslims to gain votes in upcoming elections. She is conspiring to deviate the people from the issue of teachers losing their jobs. If it is needed for the protection of Hindus to implement Articles 355 and 356, the govt will have to implement that.”

Majumdar said that Union Home Minister Amit Shah is in constant communication with Bengal BJP leaders and is also committed to ensuring the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh.

Suvendu Adhikari Writes To Railways Ministry

Suvendu Adhikari wrote a letter to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, appealing to hand over the investigation of the multiple incidents of vandalism at the Railway Stations situated in the Murshidabad District of West Bengal, to the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

“The recent incidents of vandalism at several Railway Stations situated in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, perpetrated by the so-called ‘protesters’ opposing the passage of the Waqf Act are deliberate acts of destruction, targeting critical Public Infrastructure like Railway Stations which not only disrupt essential services but also pose a serious threat to public safety and national security,” he wrote on X.